About Cape Town City Hall
On Cape Town's Grand Parade stands an imposing Italian Renaissance-style Edwardian building constructed from honey limestone. Cape Town's City Hall took five years to complete, after the laying of its cornerstone in 1900.
Did you know? Nelson Mandela gave a speech from the balcony of City Hall immediately upon his release from prison. This was his first public address in 27 years, during which he spoke about his commitment to democracy, peace and reconciliation.
Its lower walls and plinths use granite from the quarry on Signal Hill, whilst the honey-beige limestone, building materials and numerous fixtures and fittings were imported from Europe and Bath, in England.
It remains an imposing building, helped in no small part by a restoration of its façade in 1979. In 2010 Grand Parade too was to receive a major facelift, making this block of the city a major landmark.
City Hall lies between Buitengracht and Darling Streets, its forecourt, known as Grand Parade, the scene of many military and political gatherings whilst its balcony became notably famous when Nelson Mandela addressed 100 000 jubilant people just hours after his release from prison, on 11 February 1990 (he was to borrow Winnie's (his then wife, Winne Mandela) glasses to read, having left his in prison).
"Comrades and fellow South Africans, I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom," said Mandela. "I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you the people."
At the heart of its tower is a turret clock, half the scale of Big Ben, that strikes the hours and chimes the Westminster Chimes (a specific, and well known, melody chimed every 15 minutes that is also known as the Cambridge Quarters and originates from the church of St Mary the Great in Cambridge).
City Hall, as its name suggests, was built to function as the centre of city administration and as such housed the offices of the City of Cape Town. These have since moved to the Cape Town Civic Centre.
Now City Hall's striking stained glass windows, mosaic floors, marble staircases and Grand Hall's 3 165 pipe organ (designed by Sir George Martin from St Paul's Cathedral in London) serve as the site for regular music concerts (the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra is based here), City Hall Sessions (music concerts, shared by all), and regular events (anyone can hire the City Hall for exhibitions or events).
Need to Know
WhereCape Town City Hall, Grand Parade, Darling Street, Cape Town City Centre, City Bowl, Cape Town, 8001, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
Nelson Mandela
Fascinated with Past President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela? Nelson Mandela is one of the world's most remarkable leaders. Find out more about his past and his impact on South Africa's present and future, and follow in his footsteps with our curated Mandela Route of South Africa.
A Tribute to Nelson Mandela
The Mandela Route
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town
Invergara Lodge
Situated in the heart of leafy Pinelands, Invergara Lodge offers you the tranquility of a country village, in a central location in the beautiful...
Sunset Views
The quiet suburb of Sunset Beach is the location of a stylish apartment Sunset Views that accommodates perfectly, two adults. The apartment is fu...
93 On Beach Road
93 On Beach Road offers two warm and inviting bedrooms, one is furnished with a Queen-size bed and the other is furnished with two single beds. T...
Constantia Cottages
Constantia Cottages are located in the heart of the Cape's most famous and beautiful suburb, Constantia, amongst the leafy vines of the oldest wi...
Aandvari Ocean View
Right on the beachfront, Aandvari Ocean View offers a sea-facing apartment with views and the most exceptional sunsets. Sit from the comfort of t...
Seaspray A402
Seaspray A402 is situated in Table View, a suburb popular with wind surfers and kite surfers. The apartment is across the road from the beach and...
The Tokyo 807
The Tokyo 807 is a self-catering apartment located in a building that exudes sophistication along with modern chic. Situated in the heart of Cape...
Things to do in the area
Helicopter Flights With Extreme Scene
Take a tour via Helicopter over Cape Town and the Peninsula. Get a birds eye view of the Cape on this fun and popular Helicopter Tour. Various tr...
Ski-Hi Ride
Did you know that the odd adrenaline rush has some amazing health benefits? It helps you to breathe easier, it’s a great pain-blocker, it boosts ...
Attend a Parliamentary Session
The city of Cape Town, despite not being the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa’s Parliament (Cape Town is the legislative capital)...
Bathe at Long Street Baths
In the centre of Long Street, Cape Town, facing the Long Street Bath's heritage doors, look to the right for a view of Table Mountain, look to th...
Be Cool at Daddy Cools
The Grand Daddy’s hotel bar is the ‘blingest’ in Cape Town. It’s not just a cool bar, it’s a Daddy Cool bar! A palette of metallics and a roll-ca...
Carriage Tour of Cape Town
Cape Town Carriage Company offers the experience of exploring The Cape Town Business District and the Company’s Garden in style and allows a more...
Diamond Cutting Tours
The Diamond Works is a one-stop, exciting experience for tourists, both young and old. Situated on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Life Cent...
Dine at Addis
Addis in Cape provides you with an inviting ambience and a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city of Cape Town. With its talente...
Eastern Food Bazaar
If you thought you could no longer afford to eat out when you stay in Cape Town, consider the Eastern Food Bazaar in what used to be the Wellingt...
Accommodation convenient to Cape Town City Hall
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation